2017 NFL Draft Team Needs: Breaking Down All 32 Teams
Washington Redskins
Key Draft Needs: S, WR, DL
Record: 7-6-1
Safety – The Redskins’ safety position is in a shambles. So long as they retain Cousins, this would be a position the Redskins could use a first round selection on this year. They have some good players at corner, but behind them, they need some serious help. Donte Whitner and Duke Ihenacho are both free agents, creating a larger hole at strong safety than before.
Wide Receiver – Both Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson are 30-years-old and free agents in the coming months, and are the two-highest paid players on the team, after the franchised-tagged Kirk Cousins. Jamison Crowder has emerged as a threat in the passing game along with Jordan Reed, but if neither Garcon or Jackson comes back next year, it’s the unproven former first rounder Josh Doctson (who is on IR) and Jamison Crowder and not much else. A second or third round pick can be used on a wide receiver for Cousins.
Defensive Line – A lot of players along the Redskins’ defensive line are free agents this year, including Chris Baker, arguably the best player they have up front. This is a serious area of need as well for their defense. Washington is towards the top of the league in sacks, but potentially losing Baker would damage that pressure even more. Ziggy Hood and Cullen Jenkins could also need replacing with a motley of free agents.